Biogen recently announced that it has named Michael Ehlers as its new executive vice president of research and development.
Ehlers will be responsible for managing the worldwide research, drug discovery, clinical development and medical affairs operations that take place at Biogen. He will standardize the strategic direction that the research and development department intends to take, as well.
Ehlers’ direct supervisor will be George Scangos, CEO of the company. Ehlers will join the management team at Biogen and start his tenure later this month, as he will lead the company’s plans to create therapies specifically for patients who have few or perhaps zero treatment options for their illnesses.
“I am thrilled to have Mike join us,” Scangos said. “We conducted a thorough, global search, and I am convinced that we have found the right leader to build on our already outstanding R&D team. Mike is a brilliant neuroscientist, having made major contributions to our understanding of the biology of neurons; he is an established R&D leader who has excelled in both academic and corporate settings; and he has demonstrated the ability to translate science into important new medicines.”
Biogen anticipates positive results from Ehlers’ leadership in the organization.
“As our understanding of human biology advances at an incredible pace, I am confident that Mike will keep Biogen at the forefront of discovery and enhance our ability to transform our research into treatments that make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients,” Scangos said. “I am excited about the future of Biogen R&D and about Mike’s ability to elevate Biogen’s work to an even higher level.”
